Beijing has long been acknowledged as China’s stronghold and sanctuary of cultural and ceremonial strength. Though a modern day commercial hub, Beijing still hasn’t lost its ability to mesmerise not only its own inhabitants but visitors from around the world with its powerful historical monuments and sites.
One such place is the Temple of Heaven, directly translated, meaning, ‘Alter of Heaven’. A Taoist temple that was constructed from 1406 to 1420, was used by the then ruling emperor in an all important ritualistic ceremony to invoke the blessing of god for a good harvest. Since ancient China believed that an emperor was the Son of Heaven it was fitting that he perform the necessary prayers for a good harvest – a ritual where the minutest mistake would be considered a catastrophe in the grand scheme of things.
In keeping with the strict symbolism so important to the Chinese, everything about the Temple of Heaven and its surroundings were intended to depict the connection between Heaven and Earth. Earth was considered square and Heaven, considered circular.
Thus the architecture of the temple and its three main features – The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, The Imperial Vault of Heaven, The Circular Mound Alter – were all constructed with a square marble base and circular walls with blue tiled roofs.
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is built on three levels and is made up entirely of wood without a single nail being used. It also consists of 12 pillars – on the interior and exterior – which separately symbolise the twelve months and the twelve hours (Chinese tradition), together they depict the customary solar system. The Imperial Vault of Heaven is much like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in structure, but its circular wall – known as the echo wall – can relay sounds over a vast distance. The Circular Mound Alter was essentially the sanctuary where the actual prayers were made.
An integral part of Chinese History, and now a World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven is a sight not to be missed when planning a vacation. If you are looking for a Beijing luxury hotel situated in the heart of Beijing’s political, industrial and economic centres’ then Shangri-la’s Kerry Centre Hotel Beijing is worth a look. With its close proximity to the subway station, this Beijing China hotel provides a convenient location from which to plan your vacation.
